As summer approaches, remember that Texas offers many unique, fun beach vacation hotspots for a quick couples weekend or a weekend trip for the whole family. So grab your bathing suit, beach chairs, and family and head to our very own Texas coast.

Rockport, TX
Art and Fishing

Rockport’s “charm” can’t be missed as you drive through the town. Nestled in the heart of the Texas Coastal Bend region, Rockport has become a mecca for artists. Its art scene has spawned a unique tourist stream. The city’s beach also offers a wide variety of ways to have fun, including a playground and beach pavilion. The city hosts several fairs and expositions each year including the Oyster fest, Seafair, a Wine Festival, and the Rockport Art Festival on July 4th, one of the largest juried art festivals in the U.S.  There are also historic sites such as the Fulton Mansion and a Heritage district in downtown Rockport that offers a friendly and fun shopping environment. Rockport is also known for its incredible flats, bay and deep sea fishing. Hire a guide and head out in the morning to catch red fish and flounder and after a day of fishing head to Hemingway’s for an afternoon snack and cold beverage.

DON’T MISS
Art galleries that line South Austin Street in downtown Rockport

Port Aransas, TX
Fun in the Sun

Looking for Texas-beach style island fun with family-friendly beaches, boating, fishing, surfing, seashells, and bird watching? If so, Port Aransas is the place to be. Port Aransas has things to do for everyone in the family. Play a round of golf on Arnold Palmer designed signature links course built right on the coastline or set up a beach camp and enjoy people watching and digging for Texas-sized sand dollars, or get to that book you’ve been meaning to read. Port Aransas also offers some of the freshest seafood served from top-ranked restaurants. Enjoy a fried-shrimp basket at Virginia’s or a couple’s night out at the Pelican Club. For the kiddos, rent a golf cart for the day, swing by the Candy Shop on the main drag and then head out to Corpus to the Texas State Aquarium. If you have time, visit the Padre Island National Seashore. Rent a 4-wheel drive jeep in Port Aransas and drive out Big Shell and Little Shell Beach for seashell hunting or surf fishing along the waves. Pack a picnic lunch for the drive out.

DON’T MISS
Spending a day wasting time at the beach

Galveston, TX
Museums

More than 30 miles of beaches plus a wealth of cultural and historic institutions make Galveston a place to visit this summer. If you venture east from San Antonio to this Texas coast, don’t forget your walking shoes. With 14 museums, plus several historic homes and mansions, there’s a lot of ground to cover. Aviation buffs will love the Lone Star Flight Museum and those with more of a nautical interest can check out the Texas Seaport Museum. Families will enjoy the many child-friendly attractions, including Moody Gardens, with its replica of a tropical rain forest. To get in a little more exercise on the trip, rent a bike for the day and ride along the infamous seawall. It is an easy ride as there are no stops and you don’t have to cross traffic, and you get the best view possible being right above the beach. In the evening, stroll down the historic downtown area and view the many remarkably well preserved buildings and afterwards grab a bite to eat.

DON’T MISS
All the museums and historic sites